One could not ask for more of the Tornabuoni Beacci in terms of location. Via Tornabuoni is one of the most elegant and central shopping streets in Florence, where leading designers such as Gucci, Ferragamo, Pucci and Prada have their stores, and within easy walking distance are all the main sights of the city. Yet its position on the fourth and fifth floors of the 15thC Palazzo Minerbetti Strozzi, at one corner of Piazza Santa Trinita, makes it a haven from Florence's crowded, noisy streets. The pensione has a turn-of-the-century atmosphere. Fans of E.M. Forster's A Room with a View will find this a close approximation of the Edwardian guesthouse described in the novel. Many of the rooms have views, but none so fine as the rooftop terrace, with its plants and pergola, which looks over the city to the towers and villas of the Bellosguardo hill. Even in the hot, still days of July and August, you may catch a refreshing breeze here. The decoration and furnishings are old-fashioned but well maintained, like the house of a maiden aunt. Parquet floors and plain-covered sofas are much in evidence. Rooms vary - some are quite poky - but new management has been making improvements.